Method of forming a drive shaft
US6247346A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/06
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making drive shafts. The method includes (a) providing an 6000 series type alloy hollow elongate tube; and (b) reducing the diameter of at least one portion of the hollow elongate tube to form a reduced diameter section and transition section between the reduced diameter section and the tube; the transition section having at least three subsections: i. a first subsection having a first slope; ii. a second subsection having a second slope; and iii. a third subsection located between the first and second subsections having a third slope which is less than the first and second slopes, the third section forming a circumferential step to stiffen the transition section. The drive shafts can also be made of metals other than aluminum alloys.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.